LTUSD to address ’13 Reasons Why’ with parents

The Netflix series “13 Reasons Why” is generating a lot of buzz among the education community.

Lake Tahoe Unified School District Superintendent Jim Tarwater on May 9 sent a letter to all middle school and high school families.

“Please consider the age and developmental stage of your student before allowing them to watch the show. We do not recommend that students with a history of suicidal thoughts, depression or mental health concerns watch ‘13 Reasons Why.’ If you do allow your child to watch this series, we recommend you watch it with them and discuss it afterward,” the letter states.

This Netflix original is based on a novel where a 17-year-old girl kills herself. She leaves 13 audiotapes behind explaining her death. It’s graphic.

LTUSD on May 30 from 6-8pm at South Tahoe Middle School is convening a panel to discuss counter measures to the TV show. It is being called 300 Reasons Why Not. This is for parents.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report